Whittaker’s Hawthorn: A Rare Illinois Native Worth Knowing About
If you’re a native plant enthusiast with a passion for rare finds, Crataegus ×whittakeri (commonly known as hawthorn) might just pique your interest. This perennial tree species is native to the United States, though it holds the distinction of being one of the more elusive members of the hawthorn family.
What Makes This Hawthorn Special?
Whittaker’s hawthorn is a hybrid species, as indicated by the × symbol in its botanical name. Like other hawthorns, it’s a woody perennial tree that typically grows as a single-stemmed specimen, reaching heights greater than 13-16 feet under ideal conditions. However, environmental factors can sometimes encourage a shorter, multi-stemmed growth pattern.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
This particular hawthorn has a remarkably limited native range, with documented populations only in Illinois. This narrow distribution makes it quite special among native tree species and adds to its rarity in both wild and cultivated settings.
Should You Plant Whittaker’s Hawthorn?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While this native tree certainly has appeal for collectors of rare plants and native species enthusiasts, there’s limited information available about its cultivation requirements, availability, and garden performance. This scarcity of information reflects just how uncommon this species is in both the wild and in cultivation.
The Pros:
- Native to the United States, supporting local ecosystems
- Unique addition for collectors of rare native plants
- Tree form provides structure and height to landscapes
- Part of the diverse hawthorn family, which generally supports wildlife
The Challenges:
- Extremely limited availability in nurseries
- Scarce information about specific growing requirements
- Uncertain garden performance and adaptability
- May be difficult to source responsibly
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for Crataegus ×whittakeri are not well-documented. As a member of the hawthorn family, it likely shares some general characteristics with its relatives, but without specific research on this hybrid, it’s difficult to provide precise cultivation advice.
If you’re determined to grow this species, your best bet would be to contact botanical gardens, native plant societies in Illinois, or specialized native plant nurseries that might have experience with rare hawthorn species.
Consider These Alternatives
If you’re drawn to native hawthorns but find Whittaker’s hawthorn too challenging to source, consider these more readily available native hawthorn species:
- Crataegus mexicana (Mexican hawthorn)
- Crataegus viridis (Green hawthorn)
- Crataegus opaca (Western mayhaw)
These alternatives offer similar tree structure and native benefits while being more accessible for home gardeners.
The Bottom Line
Whittaker’s hawthorn represents one of those fascinating botanical mysteries that remind us how much we still have to learn about our native flora. While its rarity and limited documentation make it challenging for typical garden use, it serves as an important reminder of the incredible diversity within our native plant communities.
If you’re interested in supporting hawthorn species and the wildlife that depends on them, focusing on more common native hawthorns might be a more practical approach while still honoring the spirit of native gardening.
